Resumption of talks between India and Pakistan might be in the offing
It is recognised by Washington that Pakistan has made untold sacrifices in fighting the terrorist groups, some of whom had set up headquarters along the Pak-Afghan border. It is also understood that peace in Afghanistan is predicated on good relations between Islamabad and Kabul. Furthermore, Kabul-Islamabad ties have significantly improved since the assumption of power by President Ashraf Ghani. The Afghan government is combing border areas to arrest or eliminate TTP terrorists who have taken shelter there. Pakistan is also working with Beijing and Kabul to remove the threat to the three countries posed by terrorist networks.
When President Obama visited India last month it was widely understood that he would urge New Delhi to end the ongoing tension with Pakistan and re-initiate the peace process which was suspended by New Delhi by unilaterally cancelling the foreign secretary level talks. In view of the warming up of relations between the US and India, it was also presumed that the suggestion was likely to be given privately.
On Friday, first came the report of President Obama talking on phone to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif welcoming the improved relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and appreciating Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism. The two leaders also expressed the intent to meet at a mutually convenient time. Soon after came the news of Prime Minister Narendra Modi having talked to Sharif on phone. It was also given out that the Indian foreign secretary would also visit Islamabad. While this was presented as a goodwill move towards all SAARC leaders on the eve of the Cricket World Cup, not all SAARC members are sending cricket teams to Australia.
Pakistan should welcome the development. India should restart the stalled secretary level talks. There is a need to resume talks on all issues that continue to poison the relations between the neighbouring countries. Whatever reservations Islamabad has about India’s role in promoting terrorism in Pakistan, should be discussed at the right forum.
